- Mmamoloko Kubayi accuses the Baas Kruger Facebook account of repeatedly spreading false allegations and engaging in cyberbullying.
- The Ministry disputes claims that the Minister used the phrase “squeezed like cranberries” during an interview with SABC journalist Samkele Maseko.
- Baas Kruger has responded by raising separate allegations about the Minister’s spending on travel and accommodation and appointments in her department.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has decided to pursue legal action against the person behind the Facebook account Baas Kruger, accusing the account holder of repeatedly spreading false allegations about her and engaging in cyberbullying.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Minister said the account had repeatedly published serious allegations against her and continued to share claims that she considers false and damaging to her reputation.
Kubayi said repeated appeals for the person responsible to stop spreading the claims had been ignored, leaving her with no choice but to take legal action to protect her dignity and reputation and hold those responsible accountable.
Dispute follows viral ANC rally interview
The latest controversy centres on a doorstep interview at the ANC’s Siyanqoba Rally in the Eastern Cape, where Kubayi responded to questions from SABC journalist Samkele Maseko about the March and March movement.
A clip of the exchange has been circulating on social media, with particular attention given to the phrase “squeezed like cranberries”. The Ministry said the phrase was used by Maseko in his question and not by Kubayi. It is rejecting claims that the Minister said those words.
The Ministry said Kubayi did not utter these words, and any claim suggesting otherwise is false and misleading. Kubayi strongly condemned what she called a disinformation campaign surrounding the interview, saying that putting words in her mouth was unacceptable.
Baas Kruger responds with allegations about Minister
The Facebook account is known for publishing what it describes as exclusive news on social media. It regularly asks its followers for financial contributions to support what it presents as its mission. The account has more than 330 000 followers.
In a post published in response to the announcement of the planned legal action, the account holder questioned why Kubayi was taking the matter to court, suggesting that the dispute was about the squeeze-like cranberry juice phrase rather than other allegations previously published by the account.
The account claimed that the Minister was not taking legal action because it had exposed her alleged use of R15 million in public funds on hotels and flights in eight months. It further alleged that Kubayi had appointed her boyfriend to a senior management position in her department and another person with a criminal record to a senior government position.
The allegations about spending and appointments were made by the account holder and have not been independently verified by Conviction.co.za. The Ministry’s statement announcing the intended legal action did not address these claims.
Baas Kruger previously flagged by private investigator
The Facebook account has previously attracted scrutiny from private investigator Mike Bolhuis, who raised concerns about the page’s activities and its claims to expose corrupt politicians, drug dealers and murderers.
The account holder has reportedly maintained that her work is dangerous and that the risks prevent her from holding ordinary employment. In a report, Bolhuis referenced a four-month forensic investigation by Specialised Security Services (SSS), which reportedly uncovered alleged irregularities in the account’s operations and fundraising activities.
According to the report, the account holder allegedly uses claims of poverty and persecution to solicit regular financial contributions from followers. The investigation further accuses her of possessing illegal police data, violating the privacy of private individuals and disseminating misinformation, including xenophobic and racially motivated content.
The account holder has dismissed these allegations as false. The findings remain allegations attributed to SSS and have not been independently established.
Minister says false claims will not go unchallenged
Kubayi said she remains accountable for her public statements but said attributing words she did not say to her was unacceptable. The Ministry said the decision to pursue legal action followed repeated attempts to get the person behind the account to stop publishing the disputed claims.
However, the statement did not specify which legal proceedings the Minister intends to start, when they would begin or whether any papers had already been filed.
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